Psyched Out

Did you know that when you watch television, there's a part of your brain that imitates what is being experienced by the person on the screen? I learned this from a science program a while back. The human mind actually puts itself in the situation it's witnessing--that's why some of us cry at sad parts of movies, why we wince when someone else gets hit, why we get ill just watching someone get sick, why some fans get really excitable when a goal is scored in their favorite sport. In a way, we're experiencing it all ourselves.

This makes me take another look at writing. I don't know about the rest of you, but part of the reason why I write is because it puts me in a different place. I get to be the heroine, the femme fatale, the martyr--whatever I want to be. And when things get exciting, my heart races, and I type a little faster. When the story turns angsty, my eyes tear up, and I have to grab a tissue. When the fate of a character's in the balance, my chest tightens in anticipation. I go through a whole range of emotions that I don't otherwise experience day to day, and that's satisfying.

Have you ever read a book just to cry? Same thing. It's that release that you're looking for. As an interesting and somewhat-related aside, I read an article last year while doing research for a Psych project, and the doctor who'd written it explained that fantasy was a healthy part of people's lives. Daydreams are a safe way for our minds to explore options without actually taking any action. When we read and write, we're doing the same thing. When I need a good cry, I could go pick a fight with my best friend... or I could just grab New Moon and let Bella's pain become my own, without any damage to myself or my existing personal relationships. (Now, don't get catty. Just because you don't like the books doesn't mean we can't be friends, or that I can't enjoy them.)

Just some food for thought, and something to consider the next time any of you get accused of escapism. Now, off with you, and go indulge in some healthy identity confusion. ;)